| Dick Bradley, the 1997 Championship Director, opened the prize-giving with these well-chosen words ...... | "It was
just one year ago that we were putting the finishing touches to our bid to host
the 27th WGC in 2001. For as long as I can remember we, as South Africans have
talked about hosting a WGC, and what an ideal climate we have for such an
event. Talk of course is cheap, to actually throw your hat into the ring and
put yourself to the test of public or in this case world opinion is a another
matter entirely. That of course is now history, we have been selected as the
hosts, but I will never forget the emotion of the presentation and the stress
of the voting . The most frequently asked question about the WGC is "how is the organisation progressing?" Upto now there has been minimal progress, and little tangible to report. That has all changed, I can now report that we have successfully completed the first of the four dress rehersals. So the 97 SA Nats is a significant milestone on the road to a successful WGC in 2001. It is a great pity and indeed a lost opportunity, that more of our top pilots did not compete, however this did not detract from challenge that the contest offered to those who did nor to their enjoyment. In fact the the reduced entry made for a more personal competition, that gave us all the oportunity to get to know our fellow competitors and their crews. Despite some tough tasks there were a minimal number of outlandings and no damage. There were no problems with the airspace and no incidents involving other traffic. I must compliment all the pilots and their crews for a thoroughly professional display of airmanship and ground control. The social scene was as much fun as the competition itself and the relaxed and informal atmosphere of the Para-Club, who were our hosts at the airfield, made for some memorable parties. Where else can you ride the fire tender down the main runway on New Years eve? " Dick Bradley, 1997 S A Nationals Director. 9th January 1998, Mafikeng. |
| Trophy | Awarded for: | Awarded to: |
| Tim Biggs Memorial | (1st - all nationalities) | Laurens Goudriaan |
| Ted Williamson painting | (1st - South African) | Laurens Goudriaan |
| Comair | (2nd) | Oscar Goudriaan |
| Argus | (3rd) | Peter Sheard |
| Kevin Bottomley | (fastest 300 km. in 15m) | Dick Bradley (131 kph) |
| Annandale | (fastest 500 km. in 15m) | -not awarded |
| Trophy | Awarded for: | Awarded to: |
| Junkers | (1st - all nationalities) | Alan O'Regan |
| Heini v.Michaelis painting | (1st - South African) | Alan O'Regan |
| Heini Heiriss | (2nd) | Dieter Heiriss |
| Jack Hartley | (3rd) | Gillian Spreckley |
| Chic Brydges | (fastest speed) | Gillian Spreckley (116 kph) |
| Helli Lasch | (longest goal flight) | Gillian Spreckley (402 km.) |
| Trophy | Awarded for: | Awarded to: |
| George Ward | (1st) | Team 84, Claire Bradley & Frank Kienhofer |
| Wingspan | (2nd) | Werner Kienhofer |
| Trophy | Awarded for: | Awarded to: |
| Director's Trophy | (up & coming pilot) | Sven Olivier |
| Jenny Hooper | (high airmanship) | Nico Le Roux |
| Kimberley Cup | (fastest 300 km.) | Dick Bradley (131 kph) |
| Koln Cup | (longest flight of no return) | trophy missing |
| Bottcher | (-as above-) | Frank Kienhofer |
| Pilots' Award | most improved pilot, as voted for by the competing pilots) | Claire Bradley |
| Kraut Cup | trophy missing | |
| Dennis Jankelow | (airmanship & safety) | John McLauchlan |
| Walking Stick | (outlandings!) | John McLauchlan |
| Tortoise | (slow!) | Claire Bradley |
Last Updated: 15th January 1998
Copyright © Soaring
Society of South Africa 1998. Pages updated by:
Stephen Thomas